the day before my 25th anniversary and the start of a holiday weekend with friends living in Bali; I am kindly invited to the cocktail tasting at Bubbles & Pearls at W Lounge W Retreat & Spa, Seminyak.
An unparalleled way-drive entry in the gardens at the reception of the hotel was like no other; fantastic water features and world class prestigious gardens was a great introduction to the hotel and I guess why they call a "retreat"; immaculate, beautiful landscaping you will not find in the best hotels in the world. My friend and I (who accompanied me to the event) watched in amazement and discussed why return to London Town hotel did not have similar beauty on the run to their hotels; be it financial or a lack of appreciation of such beauty on a break metropolis of the city, we did not know, all we knew was that we really enjoyed the panoramic view on the way to the reception.
Upon arrival we were greeted by the concierge and shown to the bar after having received our wristbands for the event and after showing early, we decided to relax in a sun downer famous Woobar while other guests arrived. Woobar staff treated us like royals and taken to one of their living room sofas while our personal servers later we attend. I turned to my friend and said that even in Marbella where I frequent, a vacation home, Spanish salons do not compare with style, sophistication and serenity. A fantastic variety of pinks, reds and oranges flourished the horizon; I turned to my friend and whispered, "This is life."
Following our Mojito space age was the post-crash Street Prohibition inspired Wall,' Tea Speakeasy Nitro-Iced ', again the presentation was fantastic. Hot Lemon Tea served in a pot of tea accompanied by a great book that, when opened was hidden a bottle of iodine; when injected into the tea a mouth watering fusion of absinthe and Lemon Infused Vodka hit our taste buds like lighting bolts and certainly put the hair on our chest (wink). Ideal for aperitifs before dinner.
Third, "Smokey Bourbon" by far my favorite of the selection. The classic Smokey Whiskey has always been a classic cocktail around the world enjoyed by both Gents and ladies for a number of years and of course, one of my favorites. Grant Collins changed this classic perfection replacing a Single Malt Whiskey Jim Beam Black, less dry softer, more substance, -. A nightcap for the most demanding
After tasting, I'm talking to the representative Bar Solutions and ideas while sparring and favorites off of another, we decided that a final drink for the night had to be done, and a mutual favorite one for connoisseurs - a 'Negroni'.
W Lounge has a great atmosphere of relaxation and sophistication, the bar staff are very knowledgeable and happy to create a drink to your taste - talk to the bartenders to the W for a full list of ingredients for mentioned cocktails and much more.
If you live in Bali or visit here for a good value-for-Travel Grant Collins cocktails should be on your list of things to see and do. And without further to do, I tell you all happy drink!
angkat Gelas! Cheers! Prost! Proost! Cheers! L'Chaim! Greet! Salude! Skål! Kan-Pie! Gun Bae! Na Zdorovie!